Marine Connection welcomes the news that the Russian government has finally approved draft legislation that could see a permanent ban on the captures of wild dolphins, whales and porpoises for entertainment and educational purposes in Russia’s exclusive economic zone – 200 nautical miles from its shore.
The government has also imposed a ban on the export of captive whales, dolphins, and porpoises for the next six months to overseas countries such as China which is driving the demand for wild-caught cetaceans from Russian waters, in particular killer whales and belugas.
Russian captures were suspended in 2019, and earlier this year the temporary ban was extended until 2023 which is a positive step, however, we will continue the fight for a permanent ban to be put in place.
